Ireland’s Patsy Joyce earns World medal fight but cut puts fight in jeopardy

Patsy Joyce of Ireland celebrates after his split-decision victory over Javier Ibanez Diaz of Bulgaria

Patsy Joyce has become the fourth Irish boxer to book a medal fight at the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, but after an existing cut opened during his 55kg last-16 bout, he will face an anxious wait to see if he can fight on Wednesday.

Joyce faced off against Olympic bronze medallist Javier Ibanez Diaz of Bulgaria, and the Mullingar native won the opening round on all judges’ scorecards.

Joyce was then deducted a point for leading with the head, as he looked to push the pressure and back Ibanez up, but the referee deemed it an illegal move.

Late in the second round, an existing cut on Joyce’s left e

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